Massive weight mismatch

[EmperorCesar]

I have been training in BJJ for about 4 months now. So far, the one thing I have the most trouble with is rolling with people much larger than me. I weigh 135 pounds, and I regularly have to roll with guys that are about 210 pounds. Most of my techniques seem to be negated just based on the huge size difference alone. I do very, very well against others that are somewhat near my weight, but when it comes to these other guys, it seems that I cant do anything. What is the best way to aproach this situation?

[Shuma-Gorath]

Lift weights obsessively and train twice as much as they do. That's the formula our gym's best fighter uses and as a blue belt he was putting 200lbs purple belts to sleep.

There's really no answer beyond working harder.

[weechey]

Your sparring partners may outweigh you by 70+ lbs, but i'll bet that they can't keep the pace that you can (maybe not now, but in the long run)...so work on developing an aggressive game, and not staying in one place. Always use your hips, and look to change positions frequently. With your weight, you can keep up a good pace w/out petering out too quickly, and you can probably transition positions much better. At some point you'll tire your buddies out, and get the upper hand.

Unless, that is, they are much more experienced than you. Then you're just screwed.

[EmperorCesar]

Thanks for the help guys.

[Teh El Macho]

[Kintanon]

As another little guy and also a grappling N00b I've found that it really really really helps if I stay on top, or even just not directly under someone that size. I feel a lot more comfortable in half guard shrimping onto my hip and kind of out to the side against the heavy guys than I do in full guard with them crushing down on me. Obviously the bigger guys who are more experienced tend to nullify a lot of that strategy, but they also don't try to smother me as often since they don't need to to win.

[Res Judicata]

It's a cliche, but it's true: smaller guys need to rely on speed, flexibility and a better gas tank -- and most of all, technique. I'm about 200 lbs and that's how the sub-150 guys usually get me. It also helps if you have long legs -- lanky bastards are a pain in the ass. Work on your guard and work on putting guys back in your guard. Smaller guys seem to end up being more technical than bigger guys, because they have to be.

[money]

5'8" and 130, I feel your pain. I'm the newest guy in class so I'm not only out-powered, I'm out-skilled as well. I appreciate all advice everyone is giving for dealing with heavier folks and on suggestions for a good direction for my game, since I don't expect to gain more than another 15lbs max (my goal for the year).

[Ryno]

Speed and shifty hips from smaller opponents give me fits as a 225 pounder. Be quick, and keep moving. Don't let the big boys lay on you. Keep forcing them to adjust, and eventually they'll fall behind. When they do, take advantage of the opportunity.

[Bayou]

I'm 6'2 and 160, so I'm lanky and smaller than just about everyone. I've always had the same problems, but lately, as my cardio increases, I've been taking the aggressive approach because I notice that the big guys tire before me and then they just lie there complacently while you continue to work.

Cardio is a touch thing, though. Take a week off and it drops back down.

[EmperorCesar]

Summer is right around the corner, I'll have much more free time. I'm going to set up some training goals based on all of this advise. Thanks again for the help guys.

[rino86]

One point I dont think anyone adressed:


I'm 6ft 1in and 150lbs. I've only got about 8 months of training but one thing that helped me was getting very comfortable on the bottom. Learning how to relax underneath larger opponents and keeping your cool is, in my experience, the key to beating larger guys.

around Christmas I held a 230 lb guy down flat on his back for five minutes, so it is possible, with even a small amount of training, for a smaller more experienced man to dominate a bigger newer guy.

[chingythingy]

-50+ weight differential is going to suck with someone at your same level, bottom line.
I watch my BB instructor go around people's strength/weight all the time. It takes time to learn.

While you are learning, you are going to get really damn good at replacing guard, half guard escapes, side mount escapes, and shutting down angles in transition. And having a flowing offensive attack from guard

[chingythingy]

Other advice - don't burn energy fighting weight or strength on strength. Use your elbows and hips more. If you "almost" have a sub sunk in, don't try to power and finish it, but don't be afraid to give it up and use it to transition to a better position. Scramble like Yoda in transitional positions - you'll be faster than the big guys.

[RobertGurley]

Work out with enough bigger opponents, and when you finally compete in your weight class you will be golden. I trained in judo with a partner that outweighed my by 55 or so, then when it came to performing at competition, every throw seemed like tossing little kids.